Anscombe benched for Tahs Clash
The Chiefs have made a number of changes for their Super Rugby clash with the Waratahs in Sydney, most notably the exclusion of the in form Gareth Anscombe.
Andrew Horrell makes a start in place of Anscombe and will be itching to impress after a number of good cameos from the bench.
Charlie Ngatai comes into the starting XV in the place of Bundee Aki, which sees the ever present Richard Kahui shift from outside to inside centre for the clash in Sydney.
The last change in the back division sees the veteran Brendon Leonard slot in behind the scrum in place of August Pulu. Both scrumhalves were quiet last weekend against Will Genia and they will be eager to provide their electric backs with pristine service.
It seems that Aaron Cruden will be the man to take the shots at goal for the Chiefs this weekend, which means that he has got over the groin niggle that has plagued him since pre-season.
In the forwards there is a reshuffle in the back row with Liam Messam shifting to blindside flank and Fritz Lee coming into the No.8 position whilst Tanerau Latimer moves to the bench.
The locks, which have been massive for the Chiefs, remain unchanged in the absence of their leader Craig Clark.
Ben Tameifuna is fit after he left the field against the Reds with an elbow injury, so he starts at tighthead prop. There is a change at loosehead as Pauliasi Manu comes straight into the starting XV in place of Toby Smith.
The Chiefs have a dismal record in Sydney and coach Dave Rennie is aware of that and the threat that the Waratahs could pose.
"The Waratahs have one of the strongest teams in the competition on paper.
"They have been building well and will be a hell of a lot tougher at home. It is a big game for both teams coming off losses," Rennie added.
Chiefs: 15 Andrew Horrell, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Charlie Ngatai, 12 Richard Kahui, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Fritz Lee, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Michael Fitzgerald, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Rhys Marshall, 17 Michael Kainga, 18 Nick Crosswell, 19 Tanerau Latimer, 20 August Pulu, 21 Gareth Anscombe, 22 Tim Nanai-Williams.
Date: Friday, April 19
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.40 (21.40 NZ time; 09.40 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Andrew Lees (Australia), Angus Gardner (Australia)
TMO: Peter Marshall (Australia)